Author(s): Kgomotlokoa LindaThaba Nkadimene, Duduzile Mzindle
The problem this study examined was high youth unemployment rates among the black South Africa and how Lesego Rampolokeng oeuvre can be used as a platform to promote youth economic participation, through role modelling and talent discover. South Africa is faced with the challenge of youth bulging that is not accompanied by creation of permanent jobs and youth assimilation into the country’ job market. The primary objective of the study was to examine the views of pre-service teachers on how African Artistry’s role modelling and talent discovery can be used as a strategy to mitigate youth unemployment in South Africa. The research questions that drove this study are: What is the contribution of Lesego Rampolokeng and other artists on role modelling, talent discovery and black consciousness? How can education sector and communities promote African Artistry? Interpretivism paradigm and qualitative case study were used; and individual interviews were conducted with ten pre-service teachers. Thematic and narrative analyses were used to analyse qualitative data. The research findings identified that artistry has influence on role modelling and talent discovery. It was further revealed that the education sector and communities can promote African Artistry in different ways. This study recommends that a large scale study to examine the influence of African artistry on talent discovery and youth employment. Furthermore, the study recommends integration of African artistry within schooling and teacher education curricular and different arts festivals within communities.